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Nick Mensio

Free Agency Dose

NFL Hot Stove, Day 1

After a somewhat disappointing legal tampering weekend, free agency will thrust itself upon us in full force Tuesday afternoon. Our player news page will be updated with such timeliness that you may struggle to keep up, so I’ll use this daily roundup to corral all the rumblings, rumors, and signings of the previous day.

It'll be your one-stop shop to get caught up on NFL current affairs.

Monday was highlighted by two out-of-nowhere trades that strengthened the NFC West and made life tougher for defensive coordinators in St. Louis and Arizona.

The 49ers swung the second-biggest deal among Monday’s moves, acquiring wide receiver Anquan Boldin from Baltimore in exchange for a 2013 sixth-round draft pick. Boldin will likely be the third wheel in an impressively physical pass-catching group that already included Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis. Taking on Boldin’s $6 million base salary, cap-strapped San Francisco is likely out of the mix to keep free safety Dashon Goldson or sign cornerback Sean Smith, at whom they initially hoped to make a run. The Niners still have 14 picks as the draft approaches, and we wouldn’t rule out an April trade for cornerback Darrelle Revis. ... San Francisco signed nose tackle Ian Williams to a two-year, $3.2 million extension through 2015, and he'll be in the mix to replace free agent Isaac Sopoaga. ... The Niners are also expected to pursue free agent kicker Lawrence Tynes as they actively search for David Akers’ replacement. ... Free agent tight end Delanie Walker has his sights on the open market.

The Bears are committed to shoring up the offensive line in front of Jay Cutler, and the names that keep coming up are free agent left tackles Jake Long and Jermon Bushrod. ... Free agent strong-side linebacker Nick Roach is a hot commodity. Teams are also looking at him as a middle linebacker after he filled in admirably for Brian Urlacher down the stretch last season.

The Bengals are focused on locking up their own players. After re-signing defensive end Wallace Gilberry on Sunday, Cincinnati has turned its attention to fellow in-house free agent defensive end Robert Geathers. … Cincinnati is rumors to be a darkhorse for Steven Jackson, though they've never been free-agency spenders under penny-pinching owner Mike Brown.

The Bills have been dead quiet for the past couple of days. The only news that involves Buffalo is teams coming hard to steal their free agent left guard, Andy Levitre. The Titans are believed to be in hot pursuit of Levitre, followed by the Broncos and Colts.

The Broncos’ biggest issue right now is what to do with right defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Denver wants Dumervil to take a pay cut from his $12 million salary, but he has refused and requested his release. If Dumervil hits the market, he’ll be one of the most sought after pass rushers available. … Denver has expressed interest in free agents left guard Andy Levitre and running back Rashard Mendenhall. If the Broncos were to sign Mendenhall, it would likely signal the end for Willis McGahee. … The Broncos took care of some financials on Monday, as well. Safety and special teams ace David Bruton was re-signed to a three-year, $4.5 million deal. Denver released quarterback Caleb Hanie and linebacker D.J. Williams. Williams should land on his feet elsewhere.

The Browns are flush with cap space, and they have been connected to every free agent under the sun. When we’re talking free agent receivers and pass rushers, Cleveland will always be mentioned. The Browns have been linked to wide receiver Greg Jennings, tight ends Jared Cook and Brandon Myers, as well as outside linebackers Cliff Avril and Paul Kruger. Cook would be an ideal fit as a seam-stretcher under tight end guru Rob Chudzinski. The Browns are expected to make signing one of Kruger or Avril a priority as they transition to the 3-4 defense. … Other free agents on the Browns' radar are cornerback Greg Toler and defensive linemen Ricky Jean-Francois and Jason Jones. … We expect Cleveland to be one of the more active teams on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers are another team long on money, and they have been linked to prominent free-agent defensive backs. Tampa is considered one of the two favorites for free safety Dashon Goldson, while they’re also eyeing cornerbacks Sean Smith and Derek Cox. GM Mark Dominik has his sights in the right direction. The Bucs fielded one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season. … Free agent defensive end Michael Bennett wants to return to Tampa Bay, but sees the writing on the wall. Tampa Bay doesn’t value him as highly, and they’re expected to move forward with Da’Quan Bowers at left end while pursuing more of a nickel rusher. … The Bucs are shopping 2010 third-round wide receiver Arrelious Benn. He has been a major disappointment, and it would be a surprise if he even brought back a late-round pick.

The Cardinals spent Monday adding to the free-agent pool with the release of running back Beanie Wells, and then taking another player off the market with the re-signing of safety Rashad Johnson to a three-year deal. Wells didn’t fit coach Bruce Arians’ offense. Johnson may have aspirations for the starting strong safety job after Adrian Wilson’s release. … The Cardinals are reportedly interested in two of the top running backs in Rashard Mendenhall and Reggie Bush. Mendenhall and Arians know each other from Pittsburgh, and Bush would be a nice complement to Ryan Williams. … Arizona made a contract offer to free agent return man La’Rod Stephens-Howling last week, but the sides are far apart. It was initially reported that free agent cornerback Greg Toler was being re-signed to a three-year pact, but that report has since been rescinded due to a mix-up. ... Kevin Kolb and Arizona brass are expected to discuss a restructured contract at the end of the week before a $2 million roster bonus comes due on Saturday. … The Cardinals hosted free agent safety Gerald Sensabaugh on Sunday and Monday, but he left without a deal and has other options. Johnson’s re-signing may have had something to do with that. The price for free agent cornerback Sean Smith is too high for the Cardinals. … The Cardinals waived practice squad-type running back Fozzy Whittaker.

The Chargers have prioritized re-signing free agent guard Louis Vasquez, but the new regime has yet to even make him an offer. Losing Vasquez would make one of the worst offensive line situations in the league even weaker. The Colts will be hot on his trail. … San Diego has opened contract talks with free agent defensive linemen Vaughn Martin and Aubrayo Franklin. Both players could likely be re-signed on the cheap. … Free agent right tackle Eric Winston visited the Bolts over the weekend, but left town without a deal. The Chargers are installing a zone-blocking scheme this year, so the interest in Winston makes sense. If signed, it would almost certainly mean right tackle Jeromey Clary’s time has run out. … The Chargers remain interested in free agent cornerback Jerraud Powers. He was with new GM Tom Telesco in Indianapolis. … Restricted free agent running back Curtis Brinkley will not be tendered an offer.

The Chiefs were relatively quiet on Monday. Coach Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey have been the most active duo prior to the start of free agency. Despite signing cornerback/safety Dunta Robinson over the weekend, Kansas City is not believed to be out of the running for free agent cornerback Sean Smith. The Chiefs are also one of five or six teams to show interest in free agent defensive lineman Jason Jones, who is scheme-versatile.

After a somewhat disappointing legal tampering weekend, free agency will thrust itself upon us in full force Tuesday afternoon. Our player news page will be updated with such timeliness that you may struggle to keep up, so I’ll use this daily roundup to corral all the rumblings, rumors, and signings of the previous day.

It'll be your one-stop shop to get caught up on NFL current affairs.

Monday was highlighted by two out-of-nowhere trades that strengthened the NFC West and made life tougher for defensive coordinators in St. Louis and Arizona.

The 49ers swung the second-biggest deal among Monday’s moves, acquiring wide receiver Anquan Boldin from Baltimore in exchange for a 2013 sixth-round draft pick. Boldin will likely be the third wheel in an impressively physical pass-catching group that already included Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis. Taking on Boldin’s $6 million base salary, cap-strapped San Francisco is likely out of the mix to keep free safety Dashon Goldson or sign cornerback Sean Smith, at whom they initially hoped to make a run. The Niners still have 14 picks as the draft approaches, and we wouldn’t rule out an April trade for cornerback Darrelle Revis. ... San Francisco signed nose tackle Ian Williams to a two-year, $3.2 million extension through 2015, and he'll be in the mix to replace free agent Isaac Sopoaga. ... The Niners are also expected to pursue free agent kicker Lawrence Tynes as they actively search for David Akers’ replacement. ... Free agent tight end Delanie Walker has his sights on the open market.

The Bears are committed to shoring up the offensive line in front of Jay Cutler, and the names that keep coming up are free agent left tackles Jake Long and Jermon Bushrod. ... Free agent strong-side linebacker Nick Roach is a hot commodity. Teams are also looking at him as a middle linebacker after he filled in admirably for Brian Urlacher down the stretch last season.

The Bengals are focused on locking up their own players. After re-signing defensive end Wallace Gilberry on Sunday, Cincinnati has turned its attention to fellow in-house free agent defensive end Robert Geathers. … Cincinnati is rumors to be a darkhorse for Steven Jackson, though they've never been free-agency spenders under penny-pinching owner Mike Brown.

The Bills have been dead quiet for the past couple of days. The only news that involves Buffalo is teams coming hard to steal their free agent left guard, Andy Levitre. The Titans are believed to be in hot pursuit of Levitre, followed by the Broncos and Colts.

The Broncos’ biggest issue right now is what to do with right defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Denver wants Dumervil to take a pay cut from his $12 million salary, but he has refused and requested his release. If Dumervil hits the market, he’ll be one of the most sought after pass rushers available. … Denver has expressed interest in free agents left guard Andy Levitre and running back Rashard Mendenhall. If the Broncos were to sign Mendenhall, it would likely signal the end for Willis McGahee. … The Broncos took care of some financials on Monday, as well. Safety and special teams ace David Bruton was re-signed to a three-year, $4.5 million deal. Denver released quarterback Caleb Hanie and linebacker D.J. Williams. Williams should land on his feet elsewhere.

The Browns are flush with cap space, and they have been connected to every free agent under the sun. When we’re talking free agent receivers and pass rushers, Cleveland will always be mentioned. The Browns have been linked to wide receiver Greg Jennings, tight ends Jared Cook and Brandon Myers, as well as outside linebackers Cliff Avril and Paul Kruger. Cook would be an ideal fit as a seam-stretcher under tight end guru Rob Chudzinski. The Browns are expected to make signing one of Kruger or Avril a priority as they transition to the 3-4 defense. … Other free agents on the Browns' radar are cornerback Greg Toler and defensive linemen Ricky Jean-Francois and Jason Jones. … We expect Cleveland to be one of the more active teams on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers are another team long on money, and they have been linked to prominent free-agent defensive backs. Tampa is considered one of the two favorites for free safety Dashon Goldson, while they’re also eyeing cornerbacks Sean Smith and Derek Cox. GM Mark Dominik has his sights in the right direction. The Bucs fielded one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season. … Free agent defensive end Michael Bennett wants to return to Tampa Bay, but sees the writing on the wall. Tampa Bay doesn’t value him as highly, and they’re expected to move forward with Da’Quan Bowers at left end while pursuing more of a nickel rusher. … The Bucs are shopping 2010 third-round wide receiver Arrelious Benn. He has been a major disappointment, and it would be a surprise if he even brought back a late-round pick.

The Cardinals spent Monday adding to the free-agent pool with the release of running back Beanie Wells, and then taking another player off the market with the re-signing of safety Rashad Johnson to a three-year deal. Wells didn’t fit coach Bruce Arians’ offense. Johnson may have aspirations for the starting strong safety job after Adrian Wilson’s release. … The Cardinals are reportedly interested in two of the top running backs in Rashard Mendenhall and Reggie Bush. Mendenhall and Arians know each other from Pittsburgh, and Bush would be a nice complement to Ryan Williams. … Arizona made a contract offer to free agent return man La’Rod Stephens-Howling last week, but the sides are far apart. It was initially reported that free agent cornerback Greg Toler was being re-signed to a three-year pact, but that report has since been rescinded due to a mix-up. ... Kevin Kolb and Arizona brass are expected to discuss a restructured contract at the end of the week before a $2 million roster bonus comes due on Saturday. … The Cardinals hosted free agent safety Gerald Sensabaugh on Sunday and Monday, but he left without a deal and has other options. Johnson’s re-signing may have had something to do with that. The price for free agent cornerback Sean Smith is too high for the Cardinals. … The Cardinals waived practice squad-type running back Fozzy Whittaker.

The Chargers have prioritized re-signing free agent guard Louis Vasquez, but the new regime has yet to even make him an offer. Losing Vasquez would make one of the worst offensive line situations in the league even weaker. The Colts will be hot on his trail. … San Diego has opened contract talks with free agent defensive linemen Vaughn Martin and Aubrayo Franklin. Both players could likely be re-signed on the cheap. … Free agent right tackle Eric Winston visited the Bolts over the weekend, but left town without a deal. The Chargers are installing a zone-blocking scheme this year, so the interest in Winston makes sense. If signed, it would almost certainly mean right tackle Jeromey Clary’s time has run out. … The Chargers remain interested in free agent cornerback Jerraud Powers. He was with new GM Tom Telesco in Indianapolis. … Restricted free agent running back Curtis Brinkley will not be tendered an offer.

The Chiefs were relatively quiet on Monday. Coach Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey have been the most active duo prior to the start of free agency. Despite signing cornerback/safety Dunta Robinson over the weekend, Kansas City is not believed to be out of the running for free agent cornerback Sean Smith. The Chiefs are also one of five or six teams to show interest in free agent defensive lineman Jason Jones, who is scheme-versatile.

The Colts have a number of high-dollar free agents on their radar, most notably guards Louis Vasquez and Andy Levitre and outside linebackers Cliff Avril and Paul Kruger. Early bets are on the Colts being the front-runner for Vasquez. It’s quite possible that Cleveland and Indianapolis could get into a bidding war over Avril, and the loser ends up with Kruger. … The Colts were mentioned as a suitor for free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings, but the local media shot that down. … Indianapolis is scratching for cornerback help, and they are still in talks with free agent Jerraud Powers. … The Colts tendered offers to restricted free agent offensive lineman Jeff Linkenbach and exclusive rights free agents nose tackle Martin Tevaseu and guard Joe Reitz. They did not tender offers to running back Deji Karim, guard Seth Olsen, or linebacker A.J. Edds.

The Cowboys continued their Offseason of the Restructure on Monday. Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff and cornerback Orlando Scandrick turned portions of their base salaries into signing bonuses. Linebacker Dan Connor was released. The three moves got Dallas back under the salary cap, and they have less than $1 million to spend heading into Tuesday. … Recently released safety Gerald Sensabaugh visited the Cardinals on Monday.

The Dolphins are the overwhelming favorites to land free agent wide receiver Mike Wallace, and it’s believed that he’ll be the only player to eclipse $10 million annually on the open market this year. Fellow free agent receiver Brandon Gibson has been confirmed as a fallback option if Miami somehow doesn’t obtain Wallace. … The Dolphins have been in contact with free agent right tackle Eric Winston’s representatives, but Miami will likely wait to see what happens with Jake Long before making a move on Winston. … Free agent tight end Anthony Fasano has been mentioned as a possible sleeper for a team in the second wave of free agency. Ultimately, we would be surprised if Fasano left the Fins.

The Eagles are another team swimming in available money, and they plan to be major free-agent players. Philadelphia has been linked to free agent safeties LaRon Landry and Dashon Goldson. Landry would be cheaper; Goldson is a much better player. … There have been conflicting reports on the level of interest the Eagles have in free agent slot receiver Danny Amendola, but he’d be a great fit in Chip Kelly’s spread-out offensive attack. … A couple of free agent defensive linemen have been connected to Philadelphia: Desmond Bryant and Ricky Jean-Francois. Both are scheme-versatile and would be nice fits in DC Billy Davis’ hybrid attack. … The Eagles locked up a pair of their own free agents. Safety Colt Anderson signed a one-year deal and long snapper Jon Dorenbos agreed to a four-year pact.

The Falcons fully expect free agent tight end Tony Gonzalez to return for a 17th season. Atlanta will likely allow Gonzalez to miss out on some training camp as part of the package to lure him back. … The Falcons are reportedly not interested in trading for Darrelle Revis. They could revisit the idea if a capable replacement for Dunta Robinson isn’t found. … Atlanta is said to covet free agent running back Steven Jackson, along with a handful of other teams. We feel his best fit is in the Falcons’ high octane attack.

The Giants kept to themselves Monday. Their only action was assigning tenders to three restricted free agents and declining another. Wide receiver Victor Cruz was extended a first-round tender, and running back Andre Brown and safety Stevie Brown were tendered at the second-round level. Running back Ryan Torain was allowed to walk. ... Cruz and GM Jerry Reese are in a squabble over the receiver’s perceived value. Cruz wants to be paid like a No. 1, at around $11 million a year. There might be a team or two to flirt with Cruz, but we seriously doubt he will land elsewhere. … Free agent tight end Martellus Bennett is expected to hit the open market, and the 49ers plan to act fast on free agent kicker Lawrence Tynes.

The Jaguars are not expected to be active players in free agency even though they have plenty of cap space. New coach Gus Bradley and GM David Caldwell are focusing on rebuilding the team from the ground up, and they are stressing development, competition, and the draft. … Jacksonville did reach out to free agent cornerback Derek Cox on Monday, and they also are believed to be interested in free agent defensive tackle Desmond Bryant. Said to be seeking $24 million on a four-year deal, Cox remains likely to move on. Versatile Bryant would be an excellent fit on Bradley’s defensive front.

The Jets don’t have much money, but they did sign some quarterback competition on Monday. David Garrard inked a one-year deal and is one of five quarterbacks on the roster. The 35-year-old hasn’t played since 2010. … OC Marty Mornhinweg confirmed that Tim Tebow will play quarterback for however long he is with the team. Mornhinweg added that Mark Sanchez likely has a leg up on any competition. Free agent Brady Quinn is still in play for the Jets. … The Jets reportedly have a “good” trade offer on the table for Darrelle Revis, but it’s unknown which team it is from. … New York wants wide receiver Santonio Holmes to take a pay cut, and it’s likely that he’ll be released if he refuses. Holmes holds much of the leverage with $7.5 million of his $11 million guaranteed. … The Jets tendered restricted free agent right tackle Austin Howard at the second-round level, and restricted free agent long snapper Tanner Purdum wasn’t extended an offer.

The Lions sure are connected to a lot of free agents for a team that doesn’t have much money to spend. Free agent running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Jason Jones are rumored to be at the top of Detroit’s wish list. It’s widely believed that Bush will be the team’s top target. … Free agent safeties Dashon Goldson and Glover Quin are being linked to the Lions. Detroit has even been called one of the two favorites for Goldson, who is expected to command $8 million annually. Quin makes much more sense financially for this team. … The Lions have also been named as a team that covets free agent running back Steven Jackson. Free agents cornerback Antoine Cason and defensive end William Hayes are also in play. … Detroit re-signed exclusive rights free agents wide receiver Kris Durham, tight end Shaun Chapas, and safety Ricardo Silva. They also extended an original-pick tender to restricted free agent offensive tackle Jason Fox, who is expected to compete for a starting job.

The Packers are always quiet on the free agent front, and 2013 hasn’t been much different so far. Green Bay was linked to free agent running backs Shonn Greene and Steven Jackson on Monday, but it’s not GM Ted Thompson’s M.O. to spend on players approaching 30 years old. … Green Bay reportedly hasn’t ruled out re-signing Greg Jennings. We suspect if his market isn’t as fruitful as Jennings anticipates, then he could be back at a cheaper rate. … Free agent defensive lineman Shaun Smith was also connected to the Packers on Monday. A run stuffer, Smith would be a cheap buy on a one-year deal. … The Packers extended an original-pick tender to restricted free agent center Evan Dietrich-Smith. He could get some play from other teams.

The Panthers are in cap hell, and new GM Dave Gettleman doesn’t have a lot of avenues out. Carolina won't be a major player in free agency, but could dip into the market during the second and third waves. … Recently released cornerback Chris Gamble is likely calling it a career. … The Panthers re-signed exclusive rights free agent fullback Richie Brockel to a one-year, $555,000 deal.

The Patriots’ focus was still on their own free agents Monday. Free agent receiver Wes Welker is widely expected to return to New England, and getting a deal done before Tuesday afternoon isn’t believed to be as big of an issue as it's previously been described. Welker will experience a softer market than he anticipates. ... The Patriots would like to get something worked out with free agent cornerback Aqib Talib soon. … Prior to restricted free agent receiver Victor Cruz switching agents, the Patriots were reportedly considering making a run at him. … New England is one of a handful of teams interested in free agent defensive tackle Desmond Bryant.

The Raiders are another team with a mess on their hands. They haven’t been linked to many free agents, but Oakland is likely to cut some bait in the near future. … The Raiders reportedly would love to re-sign free agent linebacker Philip Wheeler, but it’s believed he won’t be back. His stock has steadily risen over the last few days. … Free agent tight ends Kevin Boss and Anthony Fasano have been mentioned as possible replacements for Brandon Myers. Myers has drawn interest from Cleveland.

The Rams are expected to let three of their more prominent free agents walk. Receivers Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson and running back Steven Jackson are unlikely to be back. St. Louis also announced the release of strong safety Quintin Mikell early Monday. … The Rams have been linked to free agent left tackle Jake Long, but his price could be out of their range. Plus, the Rams already have a solid left tackle in Rodger Saffold. We think it's more likely they'll acquire Saffold's bookend in the draft. … Free agent defensive lineman Jason Jones and linebacker Philip Wheeler have also been connected to the Rams. Jones and coach Jeff Fisher have a history from their days together in Tennessee. St. Louis was interested in him last offseason. … The Rams re-signed defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo to a two-year deal.

The Ravens made the bold move of trading receiver Anquan Boldin to San Francisco for a 2013 sixth-round pick. Baltimore wanted Boldin to take a $2 million cut from his $6 million salary, but he refused. … With the money saved in the Boldin deal, the Ravens are now expected to pick up the $1 million roster bonus due to receiver Jacoby Jones. … Baltimore is set to meet with free agent linebacker Dannell Ellerbe early Tuesday, and he’s believed to be the team’s top priority with the Boldin matter resolved. … The Ravens are expected to show interest in free agent receiver Danny Amendola on Tuesday afternoon. Amendola would replace Boldin in the slot. … Free agent safety Ed Reed hired an agent on Monday, and he’s not expected to return to Baltimore. We like Indy as the favorite to sign him. … The Ravens extended second-round tenders to restricted free agents tight end Dennis Pitta and defensive lineman Arthur Jones. Tight end Ed Dickson was tendered at the lowest level.

The Redskins are intent on fixing the back end of their defense. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall and his $8 million salary were released on Monday. Washington has turned its attention to free agent cornerbacks Greg Toler, Derek Cox, and Aqib Talib. The Redskins are reportedly aiming to make a strong push for Talib once the market opens. … Defensive end Adam Carriker restructured his deal, converting $1.4 million into attainable incentives. … The Redskins signed offensive tackle Tony Pashos on Monday. He could be an option at right tackle, but in all likelihood is just veteran depth. … Washington tendered restricted free agent nose tackle Chris Baker at the lowest level. Return man and receiver Brandon Banks wasn’t tendered at all, and his time in D.C. is likely over.

The Saints don’t have much cap space, but they have the ability to create some by releasing defensive end Will Smith, safety Roman Harper, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma. They’re expected to do so on Tuesday before free agency opens. … Free agent outside linebacker James Harrison said he would welcome the idea of playing for the Saints. … Free agent left tackle Jermon Bushrod is 50:50 to re-sign with New Orleans. After releasing the aforementioned veterans, Bushrod is expected to be GM Mickey Loomis’ top priority before Tuesday's free-agency commencement.

The Seahawks made the biggest splash of the day on Monday. Seattle traded the No. 25 overall pick, their 2013 seventh-round pick, and a 2014 third-rounder to the Vikings in exchange for disgruntled receiver Percy Harvin. The sides reportedly already have a contract in place to keep the 24-year-old in Seattle long-term. The move will do wonders for Russell Wilson and the passing attack. You can read more about the trade from Adam Levitan here. … Following the acquisition of Harvin, who happens to be just as electric in the return game as he is at receiver, kick returner Leon Washington is now on the trading block. He may be able to fetch a late-round pick. … The Seahawks were one of a handful of teams to be connected to free agent defensive tackle Desmond Bryant on Monday.

The Steelers aren’t going to be very active in free agency. They may have made their two biggest signing already. Earlier in the offseason, nickel cornerback William Gay was signed to a three-year, $4.5 million deal. On Monday, Pittsburgh re-signed guard Ramon Foster to a three-year contract. He will compete for a starting job this summer. … With the signing of Foster, left guard Willie Colon’s future is in doubt. He’s due a $5.5 million salary and the Steelers could save $2 million versus the cap by releasing Colon. They could save even more in 2013 by designating Colon a post-June 1 cut. … Running back Jonathan Dwyer signed his $1.323 million restricted tender. He’s the lead dog in the backfield picture at the moment, but that won't last.

The Texans have had a quiet offseason. They have focused on locking up free agent safety Glover Quin, but to this point it hasn’t come to fruition. The closer it gets to Tuesday afternoon, the less likely it is that Quin is back in Houston. … The Texans signed tight end Phillip Supernaw on Monday. He’ll fight for a roster spot. … Expect the Texans to address receiver opposite Andre Johnson in the draft.

The Titans are expected to make free agent guard Andy Levitre their No. 1 priority, and they are considered the overwhelming favorites to land him. Levitre is expected to command $8-9 million annually. Left guard Steve Hutchinson announced his retirement, creating a hole for Levitre to fill. ... It has been confirmed that free agent tight end Jared Cook will test the open market. He’ll be one of the hottest commodities. His price tag could legitimately get out of control. … The Titans extended a second-round tender to restricted free agent center Fernando Velasco. Tennessee chose not to tender exclusive rights free agent offensive lineman Kevin Matthews.

The Vikings pulled the trigger on the trade sending Percy Harvin to Seattle for the Seahawks’ 2013 first- and seventh-round picks, along with a third-rounder in 2014. While fans may not love trading one of the game's most dynamic players, the Vikings got a great haul for a player that was never going to take another snap in Minnesota. … The Vikings are expected to make a serious run at free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings now that the only legitimate wideout on the team has been traded. Minnesota also inquired on Anquan Boldin, offering a seventh-round pick in exchange for the 32-year-old. … Minnesota and free agent right tackle Phil Loadholt continue to negotiate a long-term deal, but it’s likely that Loadholt will reach the open market. The Vikings would be wise to keep the mauling right tackle. … The Vikings extended an original-pick tender to restricted free agent cornerback A.J. Jefferson.